Welcome win for Gift

Gracie’s Gift has taken the eye for sheer consistent this year and gained a deserved first success of the season in the ibetX.com Claiming Stakes at Goodwood.

The Tony Newcombe-trained four-year-old had not been out of the frame in five starts – but it was nearly a case of more place money for him again as Harare mounted a strong challenge inside the final furlong.

It was nip and tuck for Dane O’Neill’s mount, who had a neck to spare at the line, with a short head back to Oakley Absolute.

“He gives his best every time,” said Newcombe of the 7-1 chance. “The trouble is, he is lame for three weeks every time he runs and because of that I tend to run him on easier ground.

“He was always travelling nicely but possibly got to the front a shade too soon.”